Budgets And Planning - It's All About Money
All the goals of an architectural project add up to the budget. Budget template.
Pre-Bid Meetings
An agenda for a pre-bid meeting on an architectural project.
A Bidding Process
An overview of the architectural bidding process including checklists.
Getting Organized To Apply For A Building Permit
An Architect’s guide for applying for building permits.
Design Phase Checklist Examples
A tool to tell Architects what needs to be done to complete the work of a phase of design.
The Six Key Issues
Architects return to these six issues over and over during a project.
Keynotes
The reasons why Architects benefit from using keynotes.
The 45 Steps Of Project Management
Week by week list of tasks for project management.
How To Request A Proposal For Changes In Construction
The process for Architects to use for construction changes.
Permit Applications - Cover Letter?
Submitting a cover letter with your architectural plans for the permit application is a good practice.
Constraints - A Checklist And Questionnaire
There are always constraints in architectural projects. This is a way to uncover them early.
How To Kick Off Construction
Guide for Architects when transitioning to the construction phase of a project.
SpecNotes
The SpecNotes concept can replace Project Manuals for many architectural projects. Notes in lieu of specifications.
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
Construction Administration is an important phase of architectural services. DOs and DON'Ts from my experience.
Pre-Design Cost Estimating
The big secret to good cost estimates is revealed and a method of estimating construction costs without drawings.
CODA For Architects
There is a new tool that could be a game changer for your firm.
Read on to see what Coda can do for you.
The Table Of Contents Tool
Ways to use your specification Table Of Contents as a tool.
Finish Key
A technique that allows for real specificity.
Working With A Building Committee
A Building Committee seems to be the preferred project management method for non-profits, church-based organizations and higher education.
Additional Services
A simple method of requesting compensation for additional services, including an example form.
How To Be A Genius At Estimating Costs
Setting up a project costs estimating template pays dividends in productivity and reputation.
REWORK
A really helpful book for everyone, especially Architects.
The Technical Design Diagnostic
The best way to understand what a good design solution requires is NOT to start designing. Try the TDD instead.
Thoughts On Specifications
The economics of design do not allow for the time it takes to write a specification and assemble a project manual. The solution.
Building Groups Explained
One of the fundamental parts of calculating an architectural design fee as a percentage of construction cost is characterizing the complexity of the project.
One Good Way To Save A Project
Completeness when preparing a project budget is a good practice for Architects.
10 Ways To Improve The Accuracy Of Your Client's Budget
Budgets often overlook significant costs that the project may incur.
Assembly Concept For Organizing Work
Using the ‘assembly’ concept makes organizing much better for many things Architects do.
Make Your Own Building Code Checklist
Improve your process for meeting building codes. Includes an example.
The Construction Administration Phase
The Construction Administration Phase of the Architect’s services.